PrimusGFS Certification for Fresh Produce Suppliers

Without a recognized certification, buyers may require additional audits, documentation, or verification before doing business.

The absence of documented food safety systems can increase operational, financial, and reputational risk.

Certified suppliers often have a stronger position when competing for contracts, programs, and preferred supplier status.

Many buyers require certification before onboarding new suppliers, delaying commercial opportunities and slowing growth.

Our auditors understand fresh produce operations, from field production to packing, storage, and export.

Reduce disruption, save time, and simplify audit management through coordinated inspections.

Work with a dedicated team that understands your market and certification needs.

Seasonal operations require speed. We are structured to respond efficiently.

Our certificates are recognized and trusted by buyers across the food industry.

The complexity of a PrimusGFS inspection depends on the type and size of your operation, the number of modules applicable to your scope, and the current state of your food safety documentation and practices. PrimusGFS uses a modular structure. A small single-site farm will undergo a more straightforward audit than a multi-site packinghouse with integrated cold storage. Audits are based on a risk-weighted model, meaning that critical food safety controls—such as water management, sanitation, and worker hygiene—carry greater weight than administrative elements. Operations with existing food safety systems often find significant overlap with PrimusGFS requirements.

While requirements vary depending on the operation type, most inspections expect the following: – A documented food safety plan
– Water testing records
– Worker training records
– Sanitation and pest control logs
– Traceability records
– A documented recall procedure
Control Union can help identify gaps before the audit through a readiness review or pre-assessment.

A PrimusGFS inspection generally includes:
– Opening Meeting: Review of the audit scope and applicable modules.
– Documentation Review: Evaluation of food safety plans, training records, water tests, traceability records, sanitation logs, and other required documentation.
– Facility Inspection: Observation of actual operations, facilities, equipment, and employee practices.
Interviews: Discussions with supervisors and personnel to verify implementation of food safety procedures.
– Closing Meeting: Review of findings, observations, and any non-conformities identified during the audit. If corrective actions are required, your team will have the opportunity to address them before a final certification decision is made.

PrimusGFS certificates are valid for 12 months. To maintain certification, organizations must complete an annual renewal inspection. Renewal inspections follow a process similar to the initial audit and are generally scheduled during active operations to ensure a representative assessment of food safety practices. Control Union helps clients manage certification timelines and schedule renewal activities before certification expiration.

Yes. PrimusGFS is a GFSI-recognized certification program widely accepted by retailers, distributors, foodservice operators, and importers across North America.

In many cases, yes. Control Union can evaluate opportunities to coordinate inspections and reduce operational disruption.

Certification timelines vary depending on the size, complexity, and readiness of the operation. Our team can help estimate the process based on your specific scope.